Celebrating its 31st year, the YMCA Youth Parliament grants young people aged 16 to 25 the opportunity to have their voices heard at the highest level of State Government.
An institution for the youth empowerment movement in Victoria, Youth Parliament invites 120 young people from across the state to take over the chambers of Parliament House and debate issues and ideas important to them and their communities.
Co-ordinated by YMCA Victoria with generous support from the Victorian Government, the program includes three days of debate in Victorian Parliament across the 3rd, 4th and 6th of July and an opening ceremony held on the 3rd of July.
The Youth Parliament program continues to be the leading Youth Development and Parliamentary Education program in Victoria. Run by young people, for young people.
YMCA Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Burns said Youth Parliament provided a unique environment where young people learned life skills, made new friends and were empowered to follow their passions.
“Public speaking, debating skills, critical thinking and building relationships are all part of Youth Parliament – it’s also great fun.”
“Youth Parliament provides a platform for young people to voice issue important to them and equips its participants with skills to take forward into their personal and professional lives.”
All Bills passed at Youth Parliament receive the assent of the Youth Governor and will be handed to Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos MP, who will then pass them to the relevant government Ministers for consideration.
Since the program started more than 25 Bills debated in Youth Parliament have gone on to become Victorian legislation, including Drug Testing for Drivers, Over the Counter Availability of the Morning After Pill; and Replacing Glass with Plastics in CBD nightclubs.
How to apply: To apply find the application pack at vicyouth.ymca.org.au/youth-parliament
or email the program at [email protected]
The application period closes at 5pm on Friday, March 17th 2017.